Local children entering kindergarten next month will again have an
opportunity to celebrate the beginning of their school years with the
Kindergarten Kickoff. The fourth annual city-wide celebration is made
possible through a unique partnership among the Lincoln Public Schools
(LPS), the Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln City Libraries and the City
of Lincoln.

“Kindergarten is a time of exploration, growth and learning for our
children,” said Susan Gourley, Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools.
“It is a time of strong partnership between teachers and parents.” Gourley
believes events such as the annual Kindergarten Kickoff help educate the
public about the importance of this first year of school. “This city-wide
occasion brings our community together – our children, families, educators
and community leaders – to honor a significant milestone in student lives,”
said Gourley. “This moment underlines the truth that it does indeed take
an entire community to support public education.”

In the 2005-2006 school year, LPS broke the previous year’s record with
2,700 kindergartners, the largest kindergarten class ever. “Research shows
that early childhood experiences can have a positive impact on the entire
life of a child,” said Gourley. “Our community has great pride in its
public school system. Lincoln Public Schools takes our responsibility and
commitment seriously. We work hard each and every day to meet your
expectations and standards for excellence.”

All children registered to attend kindergarten in Lincoln this fall were
mailed an invitation encouraging them to visit a Lincoln City Library,
register for their very own library card and receive a free Kindergarten
Kickoff tee shirt. Kindergartners wearing their tee shirts, and their
family members, will be admitted free to the Children’s Museum, 1420 “P”
Street, for one of four scheduled celebrations (see attached schedule) from
5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 7 through Thursday, August 10. At the
Lincoln Children’s Museum celebrations, all incoming kindergartners will
receive a free book, “The Little Engine That Could.”

Community leaders, kindergarten teachers and administrators will be in
attendance each night at the museum. Gourley and Mayor Coleen J. Seng have
been invited to appear at each event. The Mayor has attended every
Kindergarten Kickoff celebration at the Children’s Museum and said she is
looking forward to meeting the City’s newest students.

“Kindergarten is a magical time for our children, and this celebration
recognizes this big step they are taking in their lives,” said Mayor Seng.
“The Lincoln Public School system plays an enormous role in the high
quality of life we have in this community. The top-notch education we
provide for our students has always been one of the biggest drawing cards
for corporations and families that are considering a move to Lincoln.”

The annual Kindergarten Kickoff celebration continues to grow in
popularity. The number of students attending increased from 1,012 in 2004
to 1,129 in 2005. About 4,000 people attended in 2005 compared to 3,460 in
2004.

Those wanting additional information on the Kindergarten Kickoff can call
Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, at 441-8565, or visit the City Library
Web site at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: library).